To be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, you need exquisite dance technique, plenty of enthusiasm and poise, a vibrant personality and the ability to do high kicks and splits. Also, you should "look well-proportioned in dancewear." And you have to identify a country on Iraq's borders.

It's that time of year again: Dallas Cowboys cheerleader tryouts season! Not only do you have to pass a personal interview and present your prom queen tiara, but you also must ace a written test of more than 80 questions ranging from the history of the Cowboys to Pakistani public policy, Proustian memory and the political economy of Papua New Guinea.